Check ups?

[aileen49]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in August last year and put on Metformin and have not had any check ups or
guidance since then.
People say I should be checking my levels but I was never advised to do so.
Can anyone help please?

 

[AndBreathe]

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in August last year and put on Metformin and have not had any check ups or
guidance since then.
People say I should be checking my levels but I was never advised to do so.
Can anyone help please?

Am I correct understanding you have been diagnosed for 11 months, but never had any follow up? It is certainly more usual to have some earlier interventions, and I'd suggest it would make sense to book an appointment to have some new bloods done, to see how you're doing.

Aside from taking your tablets, have you done anything else to manage or cope with your diabetes?

 

[endocrinegremlin]

I would find another DR asap. You should be at least being monitored every couple of months at this point to find out if the metformin is working. I have never heard of a type 2 on medication that does not test so I would flag that for sure. Most GPs have a Dr that 'specialises in diabetes' ie went on a few courses. If that is not the Dr that diagnosed you it might be a good idea to check them out instead.

 

[AndBreathe]

I would find another DR asap. You should be at least being monitored every couple of months at this point to find out if the metformin is working. I have never heard of a type 2 on medication that does not test so I would flag that for sure. Most GPs have a Dr that 'specialises in diabetes' ie went on a few courses. If that is not the Dr that diagnosed you it might be a good idea to check them out instead.

Gremlin, I have no idea where know your T2s from, but the vast majority are told they do not need to test, and that includes in Scotland, where I have family, including a T2, with whom I have been discussing this very thing over recent weeks. The exceptions are those on drugs which drive the blood sugars down - and Metformin is not in that classification.

@aileen49 , you do somehow seem to have fallen between the cracks as far as your monitoring is concerned, but don't panic about it. Make yourself an appointment to discuss it and get some fresh bloods done.

You should also be having your feet and eyes checked, so please do ask about those too.

 

[endocrinegremlin]

Gremlin, I have no idea where know your T2s from, but the vast majority are told they do not need to test, and that includes in Scotland, where I have family, including a T2, with whom I have been discussing this very thing over recent weeks. The exceptions are those on drugs which drive the blood sugars down - and Metformin is not in that classification.

@aileen49 , you do somehow seem to have fallen between the cracks as far as your monitoring is concerned, but don't panic about it. Make yourself an appointment to discuss it and get some fresh bloods done.

You should also be having your feet and eyes checked, so please do ask about those too.

Several of my friends and fam are type 2 and all have to test to make sure their metformin levels and such are correct, that their diet is working and that their type 2 remains just that so that type 1.5s and such don't slip under the radar. Maybe it varies by county.

 

[AndBreathe]

Several of my friends and fam are type 2 and all have to test to make sure their metformin levels and such are correct, that their diet is working and that their type 2 remains just that so that type 1.5s and such don't slip under the radar. Maybe it varies by county.

All I can say is that your "family and friends" are very fortunate. Whereabouts are you and your family in Soctland?

 

[endocrinegremlin]

All I can say is that your "family and friends" are very fortunate. Whereabouts are you and your family in Soctland?

West Lothian. Given the number of blogs and sites fighting for type 2s to get more testing strips I'm surprised at your experiences. Many type 2s across the UK test and have to fight their GPs for more than a strip a day. It was a major thing when I was deeper involved in the diabetic sphere a couple of years ago with petitions and such.

 

[Bluetit1802]

I have no idea how it works in Scotland, but in England and Wales all newly diagnosed type 2's should be put on the Care Pathway. This involves a review plus blood tests at 3 months. Thereafter, it may remain at every 3 months or move to 6 months, and eventually 12 months, but only when blood glucose is stable and medication is correct. It also includes an annual foot check and an annual retinal eye screening.

You may have fallen through the net, possibly an admin error at your surgery. You must make an appointment and get this sorted. It is important.

As for self testing, you will most likely have to self fund this. Most of us type 2's not on insulin or an insulin promoting drug have to buy our own. Metformin isn't in this group of drugs..

 

[AndBreathe]

West Lothian. Given the number of blogs and sites fighting for type 2s to get more testing strips I'm surprised at your experiences. Many type 2s across the UK test and have to fight their GPs for more than a strip a day. It was a major thing when I was deeper involved in the diabetic sphere a couple of years ago with petitions and such.

I and the vast majority of T2s I know of are declined meters and strips on prescription by their medics. Those who are prescribed are usually on a small number of strips per month. You'r relatives must have hit the diabetes jackpot with their medics.

I apologise @aileen49, I didn't mean to turn your thread into a discussion on test strips.

 

[aileen49]

Am I correct understanding you have been diagnosed for 11 months, but never had any follow up? It is certainly more usual to have some earlier interventions, and I'd suggest it would make sense to book an appointment to have some new bloods done, to see how you're doing.

Aside from taking your tablets, have you done anything else to manage or cope with your diabetes?

I remember my tablets being changed to modified release as my tummy was suffering, and I had my eyes checked
in November last year, to be followed up 12 months later. When I asked the Doc about monitoring he said I would
probably be left for 9 months if the medication suited me. (This was about 3 months after diagnosis)
I am still unsure if T2 have to check their blood levels?
Anyway I am moving back to Scotland from Wales next week and will no doubt get an MOT with the new Doc.
I am also watching my diet and have lost a stone so far. Thanks for all the comments.

 

[AndBreathe]

I remember my tablets being changed to modified release as my tummy was suffering, and I had my eyes checked
in November last year, to be followed up 12 months later. When I asked the Doc about monitoring he said I would
probably be left for 9 months if the medication suited me. (This was about 3 months after diagnosis)
I am still unsure if T2 have to check their blood levels?
Anyway I am moving back to Scotland from Wales next week and will no doubt get an MOT with the new Doc.
I am also watching my diet and have lost a stone so far. Thanks for all the comments.

Thanks for the clarification, Aileen.

Changing Docs will be an opportunity to reset everyone's expectations, and agree your monitoring. Most newly diagnosed folks are monitored a bit more regulalry for the first year, although it does vary from place to place.

Most T2s, in my experience, including my rellies in Scotland, are told by their Docs that they needn't check their own bloods. As you'll doubtless have read @endocrinegremlin 's experience seems to be different to mine. So, it's certainly worthwhile asking for a meter and strips on prescription, and see what they say.

On a more general note, though. Personally, I do believe you should be checking your bloods, otherwise you aren't getting any feedback on whether you're doing OK, or not. Most of us found when we started testing, that some of the foods we thought would be "safe" to eat, weren't doing us any favours. The only way we found those things out was by testing our bloods at home.

If your new Doc won't prescribe a meter and supply strips (the strips are the important part, because they are consumables and therefore a regular outlay if you are self-funding), then most of us use the SD Codefree meter and strips from Homehealth. It's certainly the most cost effective and readily available option I have found. Their website is here, should you need it: http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/blood_glucose_monitor_testing.htm

Good luck with your move back north. I'm sure you'll have a hectic few weeks ahead of you, but all the exercise will be good for you! Do you have a job etc., sorted up there? And, roughly, where are you moving to?

 

[aileen49]

Thanks for the clarification, Aileen.

Changing Docs will be an opportunity to reset everyone's expectations, and agree your monitoring. Most newly diagnosed folks are monitored a bit more regulalry for the first year, although it does vary from place to place.

Most T2s, in my experience, including my rellies in Scotland, are told by their Docs that they needn't check their own bloods. As you'll doubtless have read @endocrinegremlin 's experience seems to be different to mine. So, it's certainly worthwhile asking for a meter and strips on prescription, and see what they say.

On a more general note, though. Personally, I do believe you should be checking your bloods, otherwise you aren't getting any feedback on whether you're doing OK, or not. Most of us found when we started testing, that some of the foods we thought would be "safe" to eat, weren't doing us any favours. The only way we found those things out was by testing our bloods at home.

If your new Doc won't prescribe a meter and supply strips (the strips are the important part, because they are consumables and therefore a regular outlay if you are self-funding), then most of us use the SD Codefree meter and strips from Homehealth. It's certainly the most cost effective and readily available option I have found. Their website is here, should you need it: http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/blood_glucose_monitor_testing.htm

Good luck with your move back north. I'm sure you'll have a hectic few weeks ahead of you, but all the exercise will be good for you! Do you have a job etc., sorted up there? And, roughly, where are you moving to?

Thanks for the clarification, Aileen.

Changing Docs will be an opportunity to reset everyone's expectations, and agree your monitoring. Most newly diagnosed folks are monitored a bit more regulalry for the first year, although it does vary from place to place.

Most T2s, in my experience, including my rellies in Scotland, are told by their Docs that they needn't check their own bloods. As you'll doubtless have read @endocrinegremlin 's experience seems to be different to mine. So, it's certainly worthwhile asking for a meter and strips on prescription, and see what they say.

On a more general note, though. Personally, I do believe you should be checking your bloods, otherwise you aren't getting any feedback on whether you're doing OK, or not. Most of us found when we started testing, that some of the foods we thought would be "safe" to eat, weren't doing us any favours. The only way we found those things out was by testing our bloods at home.

If your new Doc won't prescribe a meter and supply strips (the strips are the important part, because they are consumables and therefore a regular outlay if you are self-funding), then most of us use the SD Codefree meter and strips from Homehealth. It's certainly the most cost effective and readily available option I have found. Their website is here, should you need it: http://www.homehealth-uk.com/medical/blood_glucose_monitor_testing.htm

Good luck with your move back north. I'm sure you'll have a hectic few weeks ahead of you, but all the exercise will be good for you! Do you have a job etc., sorted up there? And, roughly, where are you moving to?

Thanks for your reply. It's nice to talk to someone who knows! And thanks for the website but I will ask at the Doc's first.
I move on Thursday and this will be my 47th move since leaving home for the first time so I am well versed in the process!!
But it is still a stressful time and I find my meditation comes in handy.
I am fairly active as I have a Border Collie who takes me out several times a day!
I am retired now but have recently registered my dog with Pets As Therapy and we enjoy visiting nursing homes and care
homes.
I am moving back to Thornhill, Dumfriesshire which is where I moved from 2 years ago to be a help to my son and family
here in N Wales.
It's a lovely large village with a super health centre so I will feel better looked after than the large surgery I am now with here.

 

[AndBreathe]

Thanks for your reply. It's nice to talk to someone who knows! And thanks for the website but I will ask at the Doc's first.
I move on Thursday and this will be my 47th move since leaving home for the first time so I am well versed in the process!!
But it is still a stressful time and I find my meditation comes in handy.
I am fairly active as I have a Border Collie who takes me out several times a day!
I am retired now but have recently registered my dog with Pets As Therapy and we enjoy visiting nursing homes and care
homes.
I am moving back to Thornhill, Dumfriesshire which is where I moved from 2 years ago to be a help to my son and family
here in N Wales.
It's a lovely large village with a super health centre so I will feel better looked after than the large surgery I am now with here.

Aileen - Sounds like although it's a big move north, it's to a known entity, which has to make some aspects easier.

The other thing I hadn't thought of when I last posted was a service I believe is called "My Diabetes My Way", which is only available in Scotland. It's a website, you have to register for, but the gold dust, from my perspective is immediate access to your test results and so on, so no ringing up, trying to prize results out of reception staff who just want to clear the line.

It allows you to compare results with last time, create graphs and so on. Can you tell I'm a little envious?

Good luck with the move Aileen, but keep in touch with us here, because there's loads of support available here, and it made my learning curve smoother and less fraught..

 

[ButtterflyLady]

I remember my tablets being changed to modified release as my tummy was suffering, and I had my eyes checked
in November last year, to be followed up 12 months later. When I asked the Doc about monitoring he said I would
probably be left for 9 months if the medication suited me. (This was about 3 months after diagnosis)
I am still unsure if T2 have to check their blood levels?
Anyway I am moving back to Scotland from Wales next week and will no doubt get an MOT with the new Doc.
I am also watching my diet and have lost a stone so far. Thanks for all the comments.

In response to your question about whether T2s have to check their blood levels, we need regular blood tests ordered by the doctor or nurse, to check several things including HbA1c. Usually this is done every 3 months from diagnosis until levels and meds are stable, then it is 6 then 12 monthly.

In addition, we can test our blood glucose at home. I did this for the first few months but I hardly ever do it now. I see the HbA1c tests as being enough to ensure I am not at risk of complications, now that mine is within the non-diabetic range.

Well done on your weight loss, too! It can really help.